Bolivar

The Spirit of the Libertador History and handiwork meet in the defiant image of Simón Bolívar, the man who freed South America whose face has adorned every cabinet of these iconic Habanos for more than 100 years. To own a Bolivar is to light a fuse and let Cuban iconography explode in your mouth. While other brands have tried to dilute their character in an effort to appeal to progressively refined palates around the world, this marque stood firm — a reflection of the unyielding determination of its namesake. It’s a brand that does not 'deserve' the spotlight, it forceful takes centre-stage with an olfactory profile widely reported as one of the strongest in Habanos S. A.’s inventory. It’s an intellectual and masculine brand. This is the cigar of the philosopher-warrior; the grizzled aficionado who has moved beyond a Montecristo or Romeo y Julieta and seeks something that speaks to his soul. In the hushed back rooms of smoky gentlemen’s clubs, a discreet flash of gold-red can quietly announce to another smoker that you, too, understand the undiluted force provided by the best leaves of Vuelta Abajo. This is not just smoke; it’s an homage to a heritage of liberation and the perfection of excellence in concentrated form. Heritage & History The brand traces its origins decades past 1901 — although certain archived documents point to 1902 — when the Spanish entrepreneur José F. Rocha set out with a mission: He sought to make a cigar that complemented “the strongest” personality in Latin American history. Interestingly, the brand started life in England where Rocha had initially made cigars before he learnt that the full expression of his concept could only truly be expressed using Cuba’s mineral-rich land. In 1921, the label was officially registered in Havana to become one of Cuba's genuine treasures. The direction of the brand changed drastically in 1954, when Rocha died. It was bought by Cifuentes y Cia, the now-legendary owners of the Partagás name. Production was moved to the famed Partagás factory in Havana's very center and there, until today, resides its first and foremost home. It was the Cifuentes family who steered Bolivar into becoming one of the most successful and widely exported Cuban brands at its day, in fact it is estimated that Bolivar represented 25% of Cuba's exports for its time. Following the revolution in 1959, when the tobacco industry was nationalized, the brand remained cultivators of outstanding tobaccos. Boasting a Dominican sibling in the form of many Cuban families ended up, the essence of this marque appears forever rooted in Cuban terroir, doing well under yet another lease of life managing entities Cubatabaco and later on Habanos S. A. The Tobacco of the Vuelta Abajo What makes the brand’s intensity endurable for many years has something to do with the kind of tobacco that is used. Each leaf is harvested from the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río which is considered to be one of the best area for tobacco production on earth. The ground was very high mineral content and the nutrients are in it to get that amount of oil and richness for a thick tobacco.” And unlike brands whose priority is style over heft, the master blenders here handpick the meatiest Ligero leaves to guarantee that potencia will ring through in each and every vitola. The wrappers tend to be darker lush than anything you would find on, say, a Siglo VI or other lighter Habanos, with many edging toward the rich Colorado or Maduro tone. These wrappers are often produced from seeds of the Criollo variety and they give flavor punch, with its spicy, full body a perfect match for the multi-faceted binder & filler ratios. Its construction is managed by some of the best *torcedores* in the Partagás factory, who must balance its thick, oily leaves to provide a perfect draw—a feat of engineering considering how much tobacco is crammed into these powerful sticks. Signature Lines & Vitolas The lineup is a testament to diversity, with options available for both the smallest powerhouses and longest celebratory smokes. Arguably the most well-known of all is the Belicoso Fino which is a pyramid campana that many consider to be a benchmark for the brand. Its pointed tip helps focus the smoke, providing a direct shot of flavor which just gets better with each perfumed exhale. For traditional shaped fans, the robust to end all robustos – Cigar of the Year winning Royal Corona-eh queuing but a thick ring gauge to allow those earthy nuances in the blend room to move. Other standouts among the vitolas include the surprisingly intense Petit Corona and Churchill-sized Coronas Gigantes, perfect for an event where you have three or four hours free to devote to this craftsmanship. Although the brand doesn’t depend upon a steady stream of new releases like other lines, limited editions such as the Libertador (which was initially an LCDH exclusive) have become cherished treasures for collectors. Even against pugilists as hard-hitting as the Serie D No.4 the Bolivar remains a cigar of unrelenting richness and intensity. The Tasting Experience There is much of the earth in a Bolivar. The first light usually brings a very deep earthiness, much akin to moist woods in the notes of dark forest floor and charred cedar. As we continue down the line, the profile develops into a luscious mural of leather, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. Some spices — black pepper and sometimes a hint of cinnamon — dance around the mouth but never become too disagreeable. It is strong, no doubt about that but a creamy texture and slight dark fruit comes through towards the final third. Due to their strength, these cigars are best smoked following a heavy meal. They also happen to work quite well with drinks that are up to the challenge. A smoky Islay scotch, an aged Cuban rum or a double espresso are the classic accompaniments. The finish is notoriously long, with a spicy and woody tie that’s never afraid to remind you how regal the cigar is. This is an evening time smoke, a smoke enjoyed in the peaceful hours of the night to really extract all of the flavours from this blend. The Collector’s Choice Hobbyists and serious collectors love this brand for its amazing aging capability. With an oily wrapper and high oil leaf, Tobacco Leaf Strength 9 on this stick allows for it to age gracefully over decades, the bite softening into a complex masterpiece! Whether it's the raw power of a young Royal Corona, or the old school taste of a well aged box of Lonsdales, the brand is at the top echelon of Cuban blending. It is still, without a doubt a proof that character can be found in strength, and comfort in the stoic maintainance of tradition.